The Washington State Department of Health is warning World Cup visitors that marijuana products sold in the state may be stronger than what they are used to.
The warning is included in the department’s “Information for FIFA Visitors” guide, which offers health and safety tips for people traveling to Washington during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Seattle is one of the host cities for the tournament, with tens of thousands of visitors expected throughout the region.
In the guide, the department says cannabis potency can vary and encourages anyone who chooses to consume marijuana to “start with a low dose and go slow.” The agency also warns that edibles can take up to three hours to take effect and may last up to 24 hours.
The department recommends that visitors avoid using marijuana with other substances, including alcohol. The guidance also urges people to plan ahead and avoid driving after consuming marijuana.
Under Washington law, recreational marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older. Adults may possess up to one ounce of usable marijuana, 16 ounces of solid-form marijuana-infused products, 72 ounces of liquid marijuana-infused products and seven grams of marijuana concentrate.
However, marijuana remains prohibited in public spaces, and it is illegal to drive under the influence. Visitors also cannot take marijuana across state lines or onto federal property, even if it was purchased legally in Washington.
The warning comes as hospitals and public health officials prepare for a major influx of visitors during the World Cup. According to the health department, hospitals have seen an increase in emergency visits related to marijuana products, making the agency’s message simple: know the dose, know the delay, and don’t assume Washington’s marijuana products have the same potency levels as those in other places.
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